Architecture News

Frank Lloyd Wright's distinctive Miller Planetarium at Florida Southern College in Lakeland has officially resumed operations. This 1950s architectural gem, the only planetarium ever constructed by Wright, sat dormant for over two decades without its regular celestial presentations. Now, thanks to a comprehensive restoration effort spearheaded by Jeff Baker of MCWB Architects, the facility once again invites the public to explore the wonders of the night sky. The project saw the reinstallation of its original curved red seating in Wright's signature circular arrangement, complemented by a new, advanced digital projection system that vividly recreates the cosmos above. The newly revitalized Miller Planetarium welcomed visitors on September 26th, 2026.

This planetarium is strategically positioned at the southern extremity of the Polk Science Building, forming part of an impressive ensemble of thirteen structures on the college campus designed by Wright. Erected between 1954 and 1958, the building is characterized by its light-colored concrete walls adorned with geometric textile blocks, while its prominent white dome gracefully ascends above the adjacent lower-lying buildings. Wright had contemplated the concept of a planetarium for many years before integrating it into his designs for Florida Southern. The inaugural show took place in April 1960, a year following the architect's passing.

The restoration project commenced in 2021 with external repairs, addressing extensive water damage and material degradation that had accumulated over time. The MCWB team undertook significant work, including replacing roofing sections and repairing failing stucco. A considerable undertaking involved replacing over 280 hand-cast textile blocks, which encircle the planetarium's perimeter. These decorative concrete elements are integral to the architectural style Wright pioneered across the Florida Southern campus. To replicate their intricate geometric patterns, the restoration specialists employed modern manufacturing techniques, utilizing 3D printing to create molds that perfectly matched the original blocks. Internally, the restoration aimed to revive the planetarium's authentic spatial layout, which had been compromised by decades of incremental modifications and technological insertions. A computer closet installed in the 1980s had disrupted the circular seating arrangement. Its removal allowed for the reinstallation of Wright's original plywood benches, meticulously arranged in two concentric circles around the projection apparatus. Local artisans painstakingly restored the surviving seating, preserving its distinctive curved forms and vibrant colored vinyl upholstery. The room's finishes were also meticulously reinstated to their initial aesthetic. The deep-blue wall paint was replaced with a lighter palette, aligning with the original design specifications, and any damaged plaster was carefully repaired. The floor was refinished in Wright's characteristic Cherokee Red, its polished surface beautifully reflecting the curved benches above. This restoration meticulously upholds the planetarium's distinctive configuration, where visitors are seated in a circular formation beneath a fully encompassing dome. Unlike many contemporary facilities that opt for forward-facing theater seating, Wright's design fosters a communal experience, drawing the audience together around the room's central point.

The concluding phase of the restoration saw the integration of a COSM digital projection system and a Bowen sound system, effectively modernizing the equipment that had rendered the planetarium non-operational since 2004. Although occasional events continued after the original projector failed, regular astronomical presentations had been suspended. With the installation of this new technology, the revitalized facility is once again equipped to host engaging presentations on the solar system and distant planets, alongside educational programs specifically tailored for students and visiting school groups. This reopening also marks a continued commitment to the broader preservation efforts across Wright's Florida Southern campus, a vision initiated by college president Ludd Spivey in 1938. Prior restoration endeavors have encompassed the Waterdome fountain and the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, in addition to the campus's network of concrete esplanades. The latest work at the Miller Planetarium returns the building to the educational mission Wright originally envisioned, allowing visitors to once again immerse themselves in the celestial wonders projected onto the dome from the comfort of its iconic restored red interior.

Where Ancient Artistry Meets Contemporary Living: The Bacchus Apartment Transformation

Revitalizing Athenian Living: A Modern Apartment Redesign Rooted in Classical Art

In the vibrant Kypseli district of Athens, a remarkable residential transformation has taken place. The Bacchus Apartment, a 100-square-meter dwelling on Fokionos Negri street, has undergone a comprehensive renovation led by the innovative local firm, Space is around us. This project, which primarily focused on upgrading the kitchen and bathroom areas, drew its profound inspiration from an existing entryway floor mosaic. This ancient artwork, depicting the god Bacchus, served as the creative genesis for the apartment's new material and color scheme. The designers meticulously extracted butter-yellow hues, embraced fluid, curved geometric shapes, and carefully selected materials reminiscent of the apartment's original era, seamlessly blending historical reverence with modern functionality.

A Culinary Canvas and Serene Sanctuary: Crafting Spaces with Marble and Terrazzo

The kitchen, a central hub of the Bacchus Apartment, has been reimagined with both practicality and aesthetic appeal in mind. Space is around us integrated a continuous, custom-fitted cabinetry system along the main wall, ingeniously maximizing both preparation surfaces and storage capacity. This bespoke unit culminates in a series of triangular open shelves, cleverly adapting to the apartment's unique floor plan. The cabinetry boasts a distinctive butter-yellow finish, directly sampled from the ancient entryway mosaic, and is elegantly complemented by Dionysus marble countertops – a material celebrated in Athenian residential architecture during the 1960s. Across from this culinary workspace, a custom-designed terracotta dining table, characterized by its gently rounded corners and substantial cylindrical legs, ensures a smooth flow within the living area. The previous gray flooring in the kitchen has been replaced with expansive yellow terrazzo tiles, which thoughtfully extend into the hallway and culminate in the windowless bathroom. Here, the bathroom walls are adorned with glossy, small-format lime-yellow and white tiles, strategically chosen to reflect ambient light from an internal air shaft, creating an illusion of brightness and space. A gracefully rounded vanity mirror and a terracotta sconce further enhance the apartment's recurring geometric motifs, solidifying a cohesive design language throughout.